How to Fill an Absorption Refrigeration Unit with Ammonia

Absorption refrigeration systems are starting to replace compressors. An absorption refrigeration unit uses three types of substances, namely ammonia, hydrogen, and water. A regular compressor refrigerator makes use of HCFC. It uses the heat source to produce the cooling effect for your refrigerator. The regular or common compressor refrigeration units you have at home does the same. However, absorption refrigeration systems are cheaper and more reliable.

There is a growing number of homeowners switching to absorption refrigeration units today. In fact, you can switch your compressor unit at home so that you won't have to power it up with electricity. An absorption refrigerator makes use of a refrigerant with a low boiling point so that when the refrigerant boils, the heat goes with the evaporation and cools the refrigerator. With an absorption refrigerator, the gas evaporating is turned back into a liquid with a method that doesn't need heat or motion.

Once you have already installed an absorption refrigeration unit into your existing refrigerator, filling it with ammonia is just like filling up gas in your car. But first, you might want to understand how the ammonia is being used in the system in order to know how to fill it up later on.

How Ammonia Travels in an Absorption Refrigeration Unit

In an absorption refrigerator unit, the liquid ammonia is turned into a hydrogen gas. The liquid ammonia in the refrigeration unit's tank evaporates and turns into hydrogen gas which cools your system. In the system, your gaseous ammonia is sent to another tank that has water in it. The water will then absorb the ammonia. The new solution of water-ammonia will then be directed to a heater which will boil the ammonia gas out of the solution. This will result in ammonia gas being condensed back into a liquid form. Finally, to complete the cycle, the liquid ammonia will then be turned back into hydrogen gas to continue cooling your system.

Step 1 - Check if Absorption Refrigeration Unit is Installed Properly

Make sure that your absorption refrigeration unit has been installed properly. Verify that everything is in place and installed properly.

Step 2 - Fill Up the Tanks

In order to get your refrigeration unit started, it must be powered by gas such as propane or kerosene. Your absorption refrigeration unit or kit should already have all the appropriate parts and liquid included. So filling up the unit's tank with ammonia in unnecessary. However, if you find that you need to do so, just locate the tank where ammonia is stored and fill it up as needed. Remember, your absorption refrigeration unit should have a manual with it. So make sure to read it before doing this.